Scandal after scandal? Hungarian Fanta has barely any fruit left

The controversy surrounding Fanta has taken another turn: according to the latest data, the orange juice content in the version sold in Hungary has decreased even further by 2026.

Fanta’s ruit concentration is lower than ever

While there had already been a noticeable difference between products sold in different countries, the situation has now become even more striking. In Hungary, the proportion of orange juice has dropped from 5% to just 3%, while the Italian version continues to contain 12% fruit juice. This means that Italian consumers are now drinking a soft drink with four times as much real orange content as Hungarian customers.

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Differences visible in both taste and appearance

As Pénzcentrum writes, the disparity is not only reflected in the numbers. It is also evident in the taste and appearance of the drinks. The Italian version is lighter in colour, more tangy, and has a more natural, fruity character. In contrast, the Hungarian Fanta is sweeter, more artificial in flavour, and resembles a more typical sugary soft drink. Many argue that this suggests real fruit is playing an increasingly minor role in the Hungarian product.

A deliberate decision by the manufacturer

The manufacturer of Fanta, Coca-Cola, does not deny the differences. According to the company, recipes may vary from country to country in order to adapt to local regulations and consumer preferences. This means that not only the fruit content, but also the balance of sugar and sweeteners may differ between markets. However, this explanation has failed to convince many consumers, especially considering that some globally available products, such as Nutella, maintain exactly the same recipe worldwide.

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Authorities say it is not unlawful

The issue was previously investigated by Hungary’s National Food Chain Safety Office (Nébih), which concluded that differing compositions do not in themselves constitute a legal violation. According to the authority, the variations can be explained by several factors, including local taste preferences, regulatory environments, and the availability of raw materials. A broader study examining hundreds of products also found that the phenomenon of “dual quality” is not unique, with a significant proportion of tested items showing differences between countries.

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A topic that once reached political levels

The Fanta case has already sparked significant public debate in Hungary. János Lázár, Minister of Construction and Transport, back then suggested that stricter regulations on food quality might be necessary. Despite the ongoing discussion, the latest figures indicate that manufacturing practices have not changed so far.

The gap is just widening

While many expected the earlier backlash to bring the two versions closer together, the opposite has happened. The gap between Hungarian and Italian Fanta has continued to grow.